2017 ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Australia v New Zealand – Predicted XI of New Zealand
Nov 2, 2023 at 3:51 PM
New Zealand will start off their Champions Trophy campaign taking on their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the 2nd Group A game at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Continuing a long-standing tradition, New Zealand will be starting the tournament as the ‘dark horses’ once again.
The Blackcaps will be tested to the core in the opening game, as the opposition begins as the favourites. But, a tight competition can be anticipated by all means anyway.
New Zealand is a lot more improved side this time and can stake their claim if they find consistency. The side remains almost same which reached the finals of the 2015 World Cup. The only missing piece is the charismatic Brendon McCullum.
The confidence of having beaten their opponent in their last meeting will also play a role. They last played Australia in the Chappell – Hadlee Series which they claimed 2-0 comfortably to regain the trophy.
The tournament opener will also help everyone determine the potency of the side. A strong start against Australia will help a lot in terms of gaining the rhythm before going ahead in the tournament.
Talking Points:
The Blackcaps enjoy seaming conditions and England offers them the advantage which they will be seeking at the moment. Steven Smith has already acknowledged this fact which speaks a lot about the quality New Zealand bowling attack.
The duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult will be the key to success. The weather will provide the perfect stage for them to gain an upper hand on Australia’s power-packed batting order. Mitchell McClenaghan also showed great form in the IPL and will be a threat for the opposition.
Another advantage is the presence of quality seam bowling all-rounders. Jimmy Neesham, Corey Anderson and Colin de Grandhomme can turn out to be the match-turners. The competition is set to be thrilling.
Recent Form:
New Zealand’s recent form is satisfying. They began their Champions Trophy preparation with the help of the tri-series involving Bangladesh and Ireland. The series ended in their favour but also had one shock loss to Bangladesh.
Their last bilateral series ended up in a loss after the touring South African side beat them 3-2 in their own backyard.
Win/loss record – L W W W L (Most recent first)
Predicted XI:
The pitch is expected to be green, the weather nicely overcast; this tells us only one thing – seam friendly conditions. The pace attack will feature the usual duo of Boult and Southee. Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne will complete the four-man attack which can take full advantage of the conditions and early start in Birmingham.
Two all-rounders will also be considered most likely. Neesham and Anderson seem to be the preferred choice but Colin de Grandhomme can also make a cut. The decision totally depends on Williamson.
Spinners, Mitchell Santner and Jeetan Patel, have slight chances of making it to the XI. Their chances will depend on the weather more precisely.
The five batsman are easy to guess. The tried and tested mix of Guptill, Latham, Williamson, Taylor, and Ronchi will be the trusted with the batting responsibility.
Here is the predicted XI:
Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Luke Ronchi (WK), James Neesham, Corey Anderson, Adam Milne/Mitchell Santner, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult, Tim Southee